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Friday, December 7, 2012

Why Art is Awesome

This
summer, Kiwanis Camp counselors read Double Take
by Kevin Michael Connolly before beginning their sessions at camp. I
recently finished reading it, and it got me thinking about art and
the important role it can have in people's lives. In his book,
Connolly, who was born without legs, illustrates the reactions his
condition elicits in others and the way he decided to react to them
in turn. Throughout his entire life, Connolly has been subjected to
the assuming stares of strangers all around the world and discovered
art as a way of dealing with those unwanted reactions. For him,
photography became not only a means of artistic expression but also a
sort of self-indulgent therapy.

I love art in its
various forms partly because, aside from the aesthetic appeal, art
allows one to say what sometimes just can't be put into words. Art is
powerful and personal, and it has a way of communicating that is
beyond verbal expression. Connolly could have told people, “No
matter where I am in the world, people everywhere look at me the same
way,” but those words don't have the same weight as his photos,
which express the same thing.

Some people seem
to come alive when they are able to express themselves through art. I
posted a couple of pictures of art done by artists with disabilities
on the MHKC Facebook page because I thought the motives behind
various people's art was interesting. For example, Neil Marcus, a
performing and visual artist with cerebral palsy, uses his various
art forms to express movement in a way his body won't allow him.
Jessy Park, another artist I posted about, was diagnosed with autism.
She was nonverbal, but she was able to express herself through her
vibrant architectural paintings. Others, like Peter Longstaff, a foot
painter, show through art their ability to overcome physical
obstacles to create something beautiful and meaningful.

At Mt. Hood
Kiwanis Camp, a portion of camp time is dedicated to art projects,
including tie dyeing t-shirts, putting on performances, and making
wish boats—handmade boats with campers' wishes written on them that
are ceremoniously sent across the pond at the end of camp. Campers
also work on putting together camper journals, in which they can use
both words and pictures to communicate their camp experience with
their families. These art projects are very individualized and are
the least structured activities at MHKC, giving campers (and
counselors) the necessary freedom to express themselves.

Drawing from a camper journal

The arts also
serve as excellent and fun teaching tools. For example, visual arts
like painting and drawing reinforce motor skills. Written arts such
as poetry give people a chance to share their feelings without
restriction while improving writing and vocabulary skills. Performing
arts also improve motor skills and can provide a social setting where
people can interact with one another, build problem solving skills,
and learn about working together as a team. The arts allow people of
all abilities to create something of their own and take pride in both
the process and the product of creation. They can also serve as a way
to rid oneself of negative emotions or express positive ones. Plus,
art is something people of all backgrounds and experiences can relate
to and share with one another. Art connects us.

What are your
experiences with art, either in creating it or experiencing it
secondhand? Do you use some form of art as a means of expression or
communication? Share your art with us! Post a photo of your art or
share a poem or whatever else you can think of on our Facebook page.